MANSFIELD - A dozen teenagers pushed one another to and fro as the first set of music reached its climax Friday at DayTrip Studios in downtown Mansfield.

It was good, clean fun, and Ethan Ritenour wants to make sure it always stays that way. It might have been a rock concert, but no drinking or smoking was allowed inside.

"This is a place run by a 17-year-old, and they have to respect that," Ritenour said. "I'm not even old enough to go buy a pack of cigarettes yet."

Age has been an obstacle for Ritenour for many years. He was raised in Mansfield, and learned to play the piano at the age of 6 as part of his home-school curriculum. The baby grand of his youth now resides in his studio at 14 North Walnut Street.

It only took a few years for Ritenour to also learn to play drums, guitar and bass. His parents were encouraging of his music, and let him branch out in any way that he could.

"I've been playing in bars and other venues in Mansfield since I was 11 or 12," he said. "Now I am a drummer primarily."

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Ethan Ritenour sits on the stage that doubles as a rehearsal area inside DayTrip Studios.(Photo: Zach Tuggle/News Journal)

But almost two years ago when he developed the dream of opening a business that would triple as a concert venue, rehearsal zone and recording studio, Ritenour quickly realized most important people still viewed him as a little kid.

"That was a problem I had to learn to deal with," he said.

By autumn 2017, Ritenour had teamed up with his friend, Alex Schultheis, who was a legal adult by then.

The duo found the space on Walnut Street, and Schultheis rented the place in his name. Together they immediately built a stage, a recording booth and a separate room for vocals. The place is busy every day of the week.

"I would say at this point I've had every Mansfield band in here at least once, if not twice," Ritenour said.

Business has been picking up a lot in the last two months, thanks to Ritenour's early graduation from high school.

"I was doing online school because I wanted to get it done," he explained. "I've been calling them trying to get my diploma. I just want to take advantage of my time."

Running DayTrip Studios is now the 17-year-old's only responsibility. He wants the place to grow well beyond its current home.

"I'm free every single day now, so I've got some time to think," Ritenour said. "I can finally start making some adult decisions. I turn 18 March 8th. I'm ready to make stuff happen."

He's been paying the bills by bringing in more artists who need help recording albums. He just finished a 12-track album for a Christian artist from California — he's helped record 10 full-length albums and dozens of singles. He also mixes beats for rappers, and helps musicians find missing pieces to band-mates for collaboration on various projects.

"I know so many musicians that I can call for you," Ritenour said. "If you need an acoustic, country guitar player, or need a rapper or a screamer, I can get them for you."

He also plays instruments for anyone who needs help creating their albums, and is a drummer in two bands himself. He still has dreams of a being a full-time, touring musician himself.

"I'm a little unsure of what I'm going to do next, actually," Ritenour admitted.

His father, Paul, was a longtime doctor in Mansfield, but has since retired and moved to California.

"I think I would like to open a DayTrip in San Diego, or at least somewhere in California," Ritenour said. "But I'm looking for some more support that might keep me in Mansfield. I've done a lot for this town, and I'd like to be more involved with the city."

Until he decides, he's going to keep building his brand. He plans to roll out an updated logo, new website and many new concert bookings later this spring. He's even bringing in visual artists to display their galleries along the walls of the studio, and will continue to expand as long as people keep bringing their ideas to DayTrip.

"I think it's safe to say this has become the home base for the music scene in Mansfield."